Bowling: Key talks planned for Reno

Reno, Nev., is the center of bowling activity Tuesday through Friday with the 2014 convention of the United States Bowling Congress.

There will be many happy moments when the annual USBC Hall of Fame dinner and official induction takes the spotlight Thursday. Woody Woodruff (formerly of Glen Rock and Wyckoff) will be inducted posthumously and his daughter, Barbara Mandelbaum, and a group of a dozen family members will make the long trip to share the honor.

Delegates from across the nation will attend the annual meeting where important decisions will be made regarding the selection of new board members and a review of possible rule changes.

Of course, money always has a major share of the attention and there are proposals to remove the cap on local association dues, now running at about $10 (a bargain for the many services provided, including award expenses the locals must take over from the national group).

In addition, the convention also hosts various workshops, seminars and exhibits — all geared to maintain national and sanctioned membership numbers, improve tournament entries, and still have plenty of time to continue with the highly successful birthday bowling parties and various charity drives.

Reno also is home to the National Bowling Stadium, now referred to as a satellite to the International Hall of Fame in Arlington, Texas.

The sport has three top leader positions open at the USBC, Bowling Proprietors Association of America and the International Hall, and there should be plenty of discussion on that since nothing has been made public involving those searches.

LEGEND LOST: Dr. Robert Russano of Riverdale, who died April 12, was better known as Doc or Bob. He was 72. Russano was acclaimed in dental circles as a leader in his field and ran practices in Paterson. He also served in the U.S. Army and taught at New York University.

He loved bowling at the highest level, and always showed well on the national and regional pro tours, cashing frequently and bowling regularly in local tourneys such as the Northeast Senior events.

TV TALK: Bowlers were happy to see plenty of their sport on TV in recent weeks, and many may have seen college action for the first time and been impressed by Sam Houston State winning the NCAA women's championship. College tournaments use the Baker system, developed by former American Bowling Congress head man Frank Baker.

It is a system using five different bowlers following each other so any double strikes, except for the anchor in the final frame, must be accomplished by different bowlers.

BRIEFS: In his first start as a PBA50, pro Norm Duke finished second to Amleto Monacelli, who picked up his third senior title and $7,500. Duke earned $4,000. The seniors complete their second tour stop Tuesday at The Villages in New Port Richey Fla.. … Bill O'Neill of Langhorne, Pa. won the Rockaway Lanes regional pro tourney and the $2,500 top prize. It was his 10th regional win. … Never thought I would see the day when bowling balls come in more colors than Easter eggs. They do.